I understand the multi-year strategy.  But this is a superpower arms race with the Red Sox.  The U.S. didn’t take a year off and let the Soviet Union dominate.  I guess it may be a switch for me, but Cashman sounds like he’s part of what former President George Herbert Walker Bush referred to as “the nuclear freeze crowd.”   I want to see Cashman walking around with a big Yankee top hat logo T-shirt on with some fake Arnold biceps telling these agents and players in his best Austrian accent: “We are the Yankees, there is no contract that is too big for our organization.  If we decide you fit into our plans, we will sign you.  If we think you are too puny we will target you for termination.” 

That’s that.  It’s simple.  Don’t walk around saying we have a budget.  That is so laughable.  The Yankees print money, in that pinstriped palace.  If you are gullible enough to believe that like an agent, a player or a baseball writer - then perhaps you need to go back to a tree-hugging, no nukes meeting at three mile island to discuss unilateral disarmament.  Cashman’s position should be if we don’t sign you, it’s not because of the money, it’s because you don’t fit into our plans.  Period.  If Cashman didn’t want Damon… just tell him – we’re trying to get younger – same with Matsui.  Nick Johnson gets us a little younger (31), I’m not sure if he gets us more athletic….  I’m not picking on Nick, it’s not a bad signing.  I agree this year’s crop is bad but we do need another pitcher. 

As for the free agents next year.  I’m not really sure whether I want any of them most will be on the downside of their careers.   Except for Pujols who will probably stay in St. Louis, and Lee (who I wouldn’t give a long term deal to), or Mauer – who would be great, but I’m not getting my hopes up.  I would prefer Crawford to be honest with you.  I think he’s a free agent next year.